Text Size
School Language Programs
Around the country many schools have language classes as part of their school curriculum.
In NSW students can now take Indigenous Language classes through to from Kindergarden to grade 12, including as part of their High School Certificate. The NSW Board of Studies introduction of their Aboriginal Languages K-10 Syllabus in 2003 was the first of its kind in Australia.
In the Northern Territory some schools continue to run a bilingual Language program where the students learn all their subjects in their first language before English is introduced. Bilingual programs have been shown to increase students abilities in all subjects and can also help the development of high levels of English literacy.
In Western Australia Indigenous Languages are included in the 'Languages other than English program' (LOTE) in some schools. In many cases trained language workers teach these programs with the assistance of fluent language speakers.
In other states a number of schools continue to run their Indigenous Language programs without the formal recognition of their Education Departments. We hope that the lead that NSW has made is one that the other states will follow closely.